The Spice Factory in Hamilton was host to the album release of The Redhill Valleys on Tuesday, and it was completely sold out. There was a buzz of excitement among everyone in attendance, merch and cd's were flying off of the table before any music even began. The trio of Danielle Beaudin, Chelsea McWilliams and Tim Allard have been polishing their sound for a little while now in the Hamilton/Toronto area and have gathered a lot of interest and anticipation towards their first album release. Well, the wait is over.
Opening the night, on a masterfully lit stage (a photographers dream) were the Mississippi Bends. A gritty, southern rock band with a heavy swampy sound. Mary Simon and Andrew Aldridge representing half of the band (minus Carrie Ashworth and Robin Pirson) set the tone and rocked the room.
Mississippi Bends socials...
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The Redhill Valleys now taking the stage, began with When You're Gone. A beautifully slow, dark, almost european sounding song. Then jumping into Lay Me Down, more upbeat and a solid country tune. Describing The Redhill Valleys sound, I think of some hybrid between Fleetwood Mac and Neil Young. They definitely have their own sound though that they seem very comfortable and confident in. You can really get lost in the music. I could see this album on repeat in the car all summer, daydreaming on a road trip, winding down at a cottage, or needing something to get you energized. They really cover it all.
Tim leads the vocals while drumming on a couple songs, like Ragged And Run Down to add to the depth of the bands talents and variety. Stand out songs are hard to mention, but I would go with Either Or, Parry Sound, Burn It Down and Wrong Way Turns Out Right.
There are no gimmicks with The Redhill Valleys, its just very well written, performed, produced songs. Their sound is classic and timeless. Some songs you could easily plop into the charts forty years ago and it wouldn't seem out of place. I have had Wrong Way Turns Out Right in my head ever since the show, which must be the sign of a great song. The vocals, pedal steel (played this evening by Kevin Neal) and overall vibe will just melt away the world around you.
The Redhill Valleys will be all over the music scene this summer. The day of their release, they were listed alongside acts like Johnny Reid, Autumn Hill, Jan Arden and many more for Harvest Picnic. They'll also be at the Burlington Sound Of Music with Jess Moskaluke, Mother Mother, I Mother Earth and well, way too many to name. The point is, this is just the beginning and it's time to fall in love with The Redhill Valleys.
Mike Highfield
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